Parents are working alongside politicians to look at alternative respite care options after the funding to a centre they relied on was cut.

Those behind the ‘Save Nascot Lawn’ campaign have been tirelessly examining these avenues after finding out last week that the facility would effectively be shut down next year.

Herts Valley Clinical Commissioning Group unanimously agreed to cease funding to the service in Langley Road, Watford, which provides short breaks for children with complex health needs and learning disabilities.

This was in spite of relentless campaigning from the group, who staged a peaceful protest at the CCG headquarters in a last-ditch attempt to convince it of the cause.

Angelina Murphy, whose son, Liam, attends Nascot Lawn, explained that the decision, though devastating, doesn’t spell the end of the process.

She said: “The parents are very upset and they are still coming to terms with things. The atmosphere has, naturally, been quite subdued and we don’t believe that the CCG has been very helpful.

“But we realise that there is no point striking against the decision – it won’t do anything for you or your child.”

Instead she pointed towards the work being done by parents, councillors and Hertfordshire MPs in moving things forward.

She noted how Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning has drafted a letter opposing the decision and has gained the support of the majority of his colleagues.

Watford MP Richard Harrington also has “plans” for the campaign and the parents are working with Hertfordshire County Council to devise the “best option”.

“It’s a really good approach,” Angelina added. “We’re talking about the procedures going forward and making sure that parents are having all their questions answered.

“We can’t necessarily save the service but we can hold the CCG to account and make them take responsibility for their atrocious behaviour.”

Mr Harrington’s office confirmed that he has a “plan of action” for tackling the issue of alternative respite care and is pushing for meetings with the Department of Health’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jackie Doyle-Price and NHS England’s Simon Stevens.

Reacting to the removal of funding, he said: “This decision is very disappointing, and my thoughts are with the families affected.

“I am hugely supportive of a blended funding solution and that’s what I will continue to work towards, despite the news.

“I will be meeting with families affected soon to discuss our next step, and doing everything I can to find a way forward, and save Nascot Lawn.”

He reiterated the fact that the parents who rely on the centre are central to any plans going forward and that decisions involving him would be made following consultations with them.